In September 2017, Mercedes announced Project One, a supercar with a Formula 1 heart destined for the streets. It took five years to unveil its final version, but it’s finally here: the Mercedes-AMG ONE.
Only 275 units will be manufactured, and despite its price tag of 1.86 million euros (almost 2 million dollars), all units have long been sold.
When comparing the original prototype to the final street model, one must carefully search for differences, as the design remains largely unchanged. The front bumper and air ducts underwent tweaks, but it retained the hood vents, wheel arch grilles, roof vents, dorsal fin, and removable rear wing. Notable updates include the mirrors and new wheel designs, with a 19-inch front axle and a 20-inch rear axle.
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG ONE is as expected for a model of this caliber. It features Alcantara upholstery with green stitching, a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel, and information is delivered through a small digital cluster and a central screen. The two sports seats are integrated into the carbon fiber monocoque chassis.
The key to the Mercedes-AMG ONE lies in its powertrain, as it utilizes a Formula 1 engine with electric assistance. It’s a plug-in hybrid, equipped with an 8.4 kWh battery providing an electric range of 18.1 kilometers, falling slightly short of the 40 kilometers demanded by regulations.
The main power source for the Mercedes-AMG ONE is a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 racing engine producing 574 hp, slightly over half of the total power, at a maximum speed of 11,000 rpm. The rest comes from four electric motors distributed as follows: two modules on the front axle contribute 326 hp, one with 122 hp integrated into the turbocharger, and another with 163 hp mounted on the crankshaft. Combined, they deliver 1,063 horsepower.
The supercar’s engine is coupled with an all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed robotized manual transmission. While the German automaker doesn’t disclose its 0 to 100 km/h acceleration, it is understood to reach 200 km/h from a standstill in 7 seconds, with a top speed of 352 km/h.
Its technical features are equally impressive. For instance, it boasts an active aerodynamics system operating in three different modes, allowing for a Formula 1-style DRS effect.
The Mercedes-AMG ONE has six driving modes (EV, Race Safe, Race, Race Plus, Strat 2, and Individual) and employs an adjustable suspension that permits height adjustments of 37 mm at the front axle and 30 mm at the rear.
Lastly, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes, featuring six-piston calipers actuated by front discs measuring 398 mm. The rear brakes are 380 mm with four-piston calipers, and it comes fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R M01 tires. Thanks to the use of lightweight materials, the Mercedes-AMG ONE weighs only 1,700 kilograms.
